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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Prevalence and factors associated with rheumatic diseases and chronic joint symptoms in the elderly

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Author(s):
Falsarella, Glaucia R. [1] ; Coimbra, Ibsen B. [2] ; Barcelos, Caroline C. [2] ; Costallat, Lilian T. L. [2] ; Carvalho, Olga M. F. [3] ; Coimbra, Arlete M. V. [3]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Gerontol Program, Fac Med Sci, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Clin Med, Fac Med Sci, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Family Hlth Program, Fac Med Sci, Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Geriatrics & Gerontology International; v. 13, n. 4, p. 1043-1050, OCT 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

AimIn the elderly population, rheumatic conditions are major causes of pain that restrict participation in activities and mobility, and cause difficulties in the execution of self-care tasks. The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the self-reported rheumatic diseases and chronic joint symptoms of the elderly. MethodsThis transversal epidemiological survey involved 2209 older adults (aged 60years). The investigation included sociodemographic factors, anthropometrics, activities of daily living, chronic conditions, medication and quality of life. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used for statistical procedures, P0.05. ResultsThe prevalence of rheumatism was 22.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that rheumatism was correlated with the following: female sex (OR=1.91), high income (OR=2.34), cardiovascular disease (OR=1.42), cataracts (OR=1.39), glucocorticoids (OR=5.24), other anti-inflammatory medications (OR=2.24) and pain (OR=0.983). After adjusting for age and glucocorticoids, an association between cataracts and rheumatism was detected (OR=1.32). The prevalence of symptoms was 45.6%. Multivariate regression results for symptoms included the following: female sex (OR=1.40), body mass index 30.0kg/m(2) (OR=3.31), functional capacity (OR=0.990), general health (OR=0.993) and pain (OR=0.981). After adjustment for age and glucocorticoids, an association between cataracts and symptoms was detected (OR=1.26). ConclusionThere was a significant association of rheumatism and symptoms with women and high incomes. Obesity was associated with joint symptoms, which in turn were associated with an impaired quality of life. Cataracts and cardiovascular disease were associated with rheumatism. The identification of these characteristics in the elderly will contribute to a better understanding of this systemic disease and should be used to plan effective preventive measures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 1043-1050. (AU)